Sweaty Hands
Palmar hyperhidrosis
Excessive, uncontrollable sweating of the hands or palms.
What is the cause of hyperhidrosis?
Emotional Factors
Anxiety and stress affects perspiration levels.
Medical Conditions
A number of medical conditions and prescription drugs can cause excessive sweating.
Hereditary Predisposition
Excessive sweating can run in the family.
Lifestyle
Alcohol, smoking, caffeine, some drugs and certain food can increase sweating.
What are the symptoms and signs of hyperhidrosis
Some of the symptoms and signs include:
- Frequent wiping of hands
- Avoiding handshaking
- Difficulty in handling or dripping items, writing, using smartphones and tablets, playing musical instruments
- Difficulty in engaging in intimate relationships and socializing
- Distressed, anxiety
- Embarrassing social situations when clothing becomes damp around the armpits
- Unpleasant smells from the feet and armpits
Complications
Hyperhidrosis can sometimes lead to complications.
- Nail and skin infections
- Heat rash
- Psychological impact: Excessive sweating can affect self-confidence, jobs, relationships, anxiety levels and emotions.
Treatment
- Most cases can be treated by lifestyle modifications, antiperspirants and medications.
- Keyhole surgery can be considered for very severe hyperhidrosis unresponsive to conventional treatments.
- Known as Video Assisted Thoracoscopic (VATS) Sympathectomy, the surgery can be done as a day case or you may stay overnight.
What should I do if I have symptoms to suggest hyperhidrosis?
A person with the symptoms described above should first consult a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. Based on the assessment, the doctor will decide if the patient requires further tests to identify any underlying cause and further treatment of hyperhidrosis.
